A patch of sky shimmers into a prism ribbon as the sun begins to set on a warm Christmas along the New Hampshire coast, cherished as a gift delivered with a bright smiling laugh. May we continue to stroll and observe, every day.

Our family stories live where we tell them. Taken to a cemetery, they become tangible. Stones of grandparents, great aunts, friends treated as kin, siblings—all join the conversation, a bit of "Our Town" dialogue across generations.

Retirement looks like the time and place when you combine youthful enthusiasm with decades of knowledge and experience, make friends who share your passion, and savor being able to play at a whole new level--then spread the joy. (Thanks for the inspiration, Garden Spot Village Train Club!)

Two friendly spirits glided by in a canoe, toward the glowing vapors, and offered to grant us three wishes. Our dock, they told us, appeared to be in a similar magical mist from their approach. What wishes could be left, after seeing and breathing this glorious glow together, after a rainstorm that afternoon and the dark clouds of winter? We are grateful for our blessings.

The whirl vroom zip of a day, a week keeps us going, tuckers us out. Events and friends remind us to embrace fleeting moments, and to string them together to forge lasting impact, to be a presence that inspires action and creates smiles and laughter. Thanks, Jen Schoener, for keeping Brad's spirit a continuing inspiration for so many young musicians and the entire community. [Photo taken May 2014, at the Schoener 5K Run/Walk in Arlington Cemetery. Learn more at http://www.udmusicmarathon.org.]

Sure, a tablet has a stunning display and leads us down a rabbit hole of content, but what if we just look at it and see ... up? The ceiling lands on the table, with the chandelier a flat, floating bauble. Rest the technology and watch what happens. You might be inspired to grab another digital device to capture and share it. We don't remain disconnected for long.